Drunk driving accidents are among the most preventable yet devastating crashes on the road. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to make safe decisions is impaired, putting everyone else on the road at risk. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Rock Hill, South Carolina, you deserve justice and the compensation you need to recover.
At Ted Law Firm, we focus in representing victims of drunk driving accidents in Rock Hill and York County. Our experienced lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What Does Drunk Driving Accident Compensation Cover in South Carolina?
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for several damages, including:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries and future lost earnings if you are unable to return to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the traumatic experience of being involved in a drunk driving accident.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for future losses.
- Property damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or personal property.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the negligent driver for their reckless behavior.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
At Ted Law Firm, we fight for justice on your behalf and ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Rock Hill
Drunk driving accidents are caused by impaired drivers who fail to act safely on the road. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Drivers who are intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both are significantly impaired and more likely to cause accidents.
- Reckless driving: Drunk drivers often engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to follow basic traffic laws, such as yielding to pedestrians, stopping at stop signs, or signaling lane changes.
- Fatigued driving: Drunk drivers often experience fatigue, leading to slower reaction times and reduced judgment.
- Disregarding road conditions: Impaired drivers may fail to adjust their driving to match weather conditions, traffic, or road hazards, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
Types of Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
The injuries from drunk driving accidents can range from mild to catastrophic. Common injuries in drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions or more severe brain injuries caused by impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spine that can cause paralysis or long-term disability.
- Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, or ribs from the impact of the crash.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma.
- Whiplash: Neck and back injuries caused by the sudden jerking motion during a crash.
- Facial injuries: Cuts, fractures, and lacerations from impacts with the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbags.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs due to the severity of the crash.
- Emotional trauma: PTSD, anxiety, or depression resulting from the trauma of the accident.
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Rock Hill
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical care immediately: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police: Report the accident to law enforcement and ensure a police report is filed. The report will include important information about the other driver’s condition.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, gather their contact details to support your case.
- Avoid admitting fault: Never admit liability at the scene, even if you think you may be partially responsible. Let the police and insurance companies determine fault.
- Contact Ted Law Firm: Speak with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Who Is Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?
In a drunk driving accident, the intoxicated driver is typically at fault. However, other parties may share responsibility for the accident, including:
- The drunk driver: If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be held liable for the accident.
- The bar or restaurant: In some cases, if the drunk driver was overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant, the establishment may share liability under South Carolina’s Dram Shop Laws.
- Other drivers: If another driver contributed to the accident, they may also be held responsible.
- Insurance companies: We handle negotiations with insurance companies to make sure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.
At Ted Law Firm, we investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and work to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
How We Help Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Rock Hill
At Ted Law Firm, we offer full support to drunk driving accident victims, handling all aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the accident: We gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We deal directly with the insurance companies to ensure you are offered a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are ready to take your case to trial and fight for justice in court.
- Providing emotional support: We understand the trauma caused by a drunk driving accident, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Talk to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Rock Hill Today
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Rock Hill, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can start working on your case.
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients in Rock Hill, York County, and throughout South Carolina. You don’t pay unless we win your case no upfront costs, just experienced legal help from a team that puts your recovery first.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
